31,077 vehicles issued stickers as of September

Maldives Police Service states 31,077 vehicles have been issued stickers for parking violations as of September this year.

Sub-Inspector of Police Hussain Aslam, speaking at PSM’s Raajje Miadhu program, stressed there was an unusually high number of vehicles in Male’ area.

He said the greatest number of violations come across by police while patrolling pertains to minors driving without a license, followed by using technological devices while driving, speeding and license plate issues.

“We have towed 1,071 vehicles into our custody for parking violations as of September this year. Additionally, 31,077 vehicles have been issued stickers for parking violations as of September this year,” he said.

Sub-Inspector Aslam cited the issuance of stickers as a prominent concern of the public. However, he stressed the stickers are issued for parking violations, in order to ensure the safety and security of all people using the roads.

Commenting on road accidents – he named Sinamale’ Bridge area as one the most accident-prone areas in Male’ area.

He noted that drivers who exceed the speed limit on the bridge will not be receiving caution messages. On this note, he stressed that over 100 caution messages are sent out daily.

Sub-Inspector Aslam said drivers exceeding the speed limit on the bridge will be penalized in the future. However, he said this cannot be implemented immediately, adding it required amendments to laws.

“We will begin fining such drivers under the stipulated procedure once a small amendment required to the law is implemented. However, this work will be time-consuming. It is not at our discretion. This can only be implemented by collaboratively working alongside the relevant authorities,” he said.

During the presidential election campaign last month, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced the decision to waive all outstanding traffic fines between November 17, 2018 and September 5, 2023.